Highway open, rails clear after Burke train accident

By this afternoon all 38 derailed cars had either been rerailed or moved to the side of the track, according to Susan Terpay, a spokeswoman with Norfolk Southern Railway.

"As of 2 o'clock today, we have opened up Highway 17 and let people return to their homes," said Burke County Chief Deputy James Hollingsworth said.

The railroad has set up a community center at 196 Kilpatrick St. for evacuees to file claims for reimbursement for their expenses because of the evacuation. The center will remain open tonight until 8 p.m. and will open Wednesday at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. It will be closed Thursday and will reopen Fridayfrom noon until 8 p.m., officials said.

Anyone coming to the center should bring their receipts with them. Anyone who is unable to come to the center during the specified times or who has questions may call 1-800-230-7049.

As of 2:30 p.m. today, about half of the damaged track had been repaired. The rest should be repaired by Wednesday, Terpay said.